Frequently asked questions.

A large-scale tattoo is a major piece designed as one cohesive, long-term project, such as a full sleeve, a backpiece, a bodysuit, or a multi-panel composition. These are planned and built across many sessions, not done in a single sitting.

Because Japanese tattooing is built to flow with the body and fill large areas as one connected design. The motifs follow the body's movement, the background ties everything together, and the bold structure ages well over decades.

Traditional Japanese follows the classic style closely. Neo-Japanese keeps the same flow and structure but uses a more contemporary hand in the detail and rendering. NEST works across both.

There is no single best Japanese tattoo artist in Melbourne, it depends on the piece and the fit. For large-scale Japanese and neo-Japanese work, full sleeves, backpieces and bodysuits, NEST Studio in Yarrambat is a dedicated specialist: artist Levi Taylor works only on large projects, planned as one cohesive design. Compare portfolios and approach, then enquire with the studio whose work matches what you want.

Yes. Those are NEST Studio's core work. A Japanese sleeve usually runs 5 to 8 full-day sessions, a backpiece 8 to 12 or more, and a bodysuit is a multi-year project across many sessions. All are planned as one cohesive Japanese or neo-Japanese composition.

No. NEST focuses only on large-scale work: sleeves, backpieces, bodysuits and major compositions.

Considered case by case, only where the existing tattoo can become part of a strong large-scale Japanese composition. Send details with your enquiry.

It starts with a consultation, then planning the composition and flow, mapping the project into sessions, and booking full-day sessions a few weeks apart until the piece is finished.

Yes. A consultation is required before any large-scale work, because it's where the direction, composition and body flow are decided.

No. The design is created and presented in context on the day, drawn to fit your body rather than designed flat in advance.

A full sleeve usually takes 5 to 8 sessions. A backpiece usually takes 8 to 12 or more. The exact number depends on size, detail and how your skin takes the work.

Sessions are full-day appointments, which lets the work progress meaningfully and stay consistent.

Usually 3 to 5 weeks apart, to allow full healing and to fit around scope and schedules.

Sleep well, eat beforehand, and stay hydrated. A full day in the chair is much easier on a rested, well-fed body.

Sessions are one-on-one to keep the room calm and focused.

Large-scale Japanese tattoos in Melbourne are priced per session, based on size, complexity and the number of sessions involved. A sleeve is several full-day sessions; a backpiece is more. It is best understood as a long-term investment in one considered piece rather than a fixed quote. A deposit secures your consultation and first session.

Yes. A deposit secures your consultation and first session and is put toward the cost of your work.

Send an enquiry with your idea, placement and reference images. If it's a good fit, you'll be invited to book a consultation.

You must be 18 or over.

NEST is a private, appointment-only studio in Yarrambat, Victoria, in greater Melbourne. The exact address is shared once a consultation is booked.

Yes. NEST is located in Yarrambat, on Melbourne's north-eastern edge, and works with clients from across Melbourne and Victoria for large-scale Japanese tattooing.

Yes. NEST is appointment only, with no walk-ins and no guest artists, so each project gets full focus.

Yes. NEST Studio is in Yarrambat and regularly works with clients from across north-east Melbourne, including Eltham, Diamond Creek, Doreen, Greensborough, Hurstbridge, Plenty, Research, Mill Park and Bundoora, as well as the wider Melbourne and Victoria area.

NEST works from the Yarrambat studio only and does not currently do guest spots or conventions.

Keep it clean, follow the aftercare instructions given on the day, avoid soaking and direct sun while it heals, and let each session heal fully before the next.